§ 3. Mr. Stephenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there are many non-graduate teachers in Scotland who have not been put on the graduate scale despite the fact that they have given many years of efficient service; and whether he will represent to the National Joint Council for the Revision of Salary Scales that the position of such teachers should have first consideration in their deliberations?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question of 27th June, in which I indicated that I would be ready to consider carefully any recommendations concerning teachers' 2027 salaries that the National Joint Council might desire to place before me. The question whether the council should give priority of consideration to any particular matter may, I think, be left to the discretion of the council itself.
§ Mr. StephenDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that among those teachers are some of the most efficient teachers in Scotland and that they have gone on for years suffering this penalty because circumstances have prevented them taking a degree, and will he not do something to get justice for them, in view of the long period of injustice which they have suffered?
§ Mr. ColvilleI have indicated that I am open to receive representations from the council and will consider them carefully.
§ Mr. StephenWill the right hon. Gentleman not bring to the attention of the Advisory Committee the necessity for something being done at once for these teachers?
§ Mr. ColvilleI think the council are well aware of the position, and I have no doubt the hon. Member's question will come to their notice.